Mineral supplementation is a key component of a cow herd’s nutritional management plan.
“This is a really good time of year as we move into the spring season to review the mineral supplementation program for our cow herds,” says Jason Warner, Kansas State University cow-calf Extension specialist.
As producers review plans for the spring and summer, Warner says it is a good time to visit with feed service providers to discuss options including prepurchasing mineral supplements to ensure product availability and potentially secure cost-saving discounts.
Magnesium supplementation
This time of year, Warner encourages producers to consider magnesium supplementation.
“We know magnesium supplementation is important for preventing hypo magnesium or magnesium deficiency, commonly referred to as grass tetany,” Warner says.
He adds cows are at greater risk when they are grazing rapidly growing forages.
“Particularly monitor cool season forages or either winter or spring annual small cereal grain-type forages,” Warner explains. “If cows are going to be grazing those types of forages this time of year and if they are lush, rapidly growing, then they can have a lower magnesium concentration but a higher potassium concentration, which puts those cows at a greater risk for hypo magnesium or grass tetany, and certainly for lactating cows we see a greater risk.”
He says a mineral supplement should contain 5% to 6% magnesium at a minimum if fed at 0.25 lb. per head daily to prevent grass tetany. Being cognizant of the situation and being prepared to prevent this rapid and challenging condition is key.
Fly control
Another consideration in early spring is fly control with earlier implementation ensuring greater effectiveness
“If producers are going to be using a feed through fly control program as part of their mineral supplementation program, make sure that you’re proactive and starting that product early in the grazing season, and not waiting until the mid or the later part of the summer to introduce that product, because it’s going to be less effective from a fly control standpoint,” Warner says.
He encourages producers to consult with feed service providers about recommended start times.
Understand the product
It is important to understand the products. Be sure to read labels and follow the directions to make sure the product is being used for its intended use. Overlooking or misinterpreting product labels is common in everyday feeding situations.
“First and foremost, just understanding the product that you’re going to use,” Warner explains. “That’s really important. We see a difference in products that are manufactured out there that have a very specific intended use.”
He encourages producers to visit with their veterinarian regarding antibiotic supplementation and putting together a veterinary feed directive to clearly define what their herd needs.
He also warned producers about carryover and trying to purchase appropriate quantities to minimize excess inventory.
“The longer that we hold product over, from a shelf-life standpoint,” he explains, “the greater potential loss that we’ll see, particularly with vitamins, due to oxidation.”
Free-choice minerals
“One of the biggest challenges that I see with free-choice mineral supplementation,” Warner says, “is understanding consumption and getting a good handle on what consumption is in our free-choice feeding situations.”
He encourages producers to calculate consumption and measure intake throughout the summer grazing season. Be aware of significant variations in consumption between groups and pastures. He reminds producers to monitor for:
- Over-consumption (increased costs)
- Under-consumption (inadequate nutritional support)
Warner summarizes mineral supplementation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is important to understand specific herd needs, consider forage types, evaluate cow physiological status (lactating versus non-lactating) and remain flexible and responsive to changing nutritional requirements.
By implementing a thoughtful, proactive mineral supplementation program, producers can support their herd’s health, productivity and overall performance.
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